Midsomer Norton RFC

Possible new rules

New rules at a national junior rugby tournament that penalise teams for unsporting behaviour should be adopted more widely, say organisers.

The National Schools Rugby Tournament (NSRT) has introduced a weighted scoring system, with the potential to dock points if teams or their supporters do not respect officials.

The approach has been endorsed by the Rugby Football Union.Organisers say it aims to "reward more positive aspects of the game of rugby".

As well as awarding bonus points for tries and good defence, officials will also grade both the team and supporters on their sportsmanship and respect of others.

Zero points will be given if "a clear, and repetitive, lack of respect for the referee and his decisions" is displayed, while "exceeding the expectations of the RFU core values" will gain a team three points.

"The idea is to reward all of these elements rather than simply 'win at all costs',"

"I wouldn't say we had a problem per se with the tournament in terms of disrespect to referees by players or supporters. Obviously, you expect the odd isolated incident in a tournament of this size but what is interesting is that the new system seems to have worked really well and been well received by parents, coaches and children alike."

"The parents and children seem to have embraced the new rules and it pretty much polices itself, which is great news for the referees and for the vast majority of people who come to watch rugby in the right spirit.

"We hope that this could be a template that could be rolled out to other children's rugby tournaments. I wonder whether it could even be adopted in adult rugby or other sports?"

Tournament director Tim Button says he can empathise with parents who get caught up in the emotion of watching their child compete, but that the new rules are intended to eliminate "unpleasant incidents on the touchline".

The RFU implemented changes to age-grade rugby at the beginning of this season, based on feedback from young players.

"As part of the new age-grade rugby framework we encourage a range of different competition options including those like the one being run by NSRT, with whom we have a good relationship, that put all players and their enjoyment front and centre,"

"We are committed to ensuring the offer to young players from clubs, schools and colleges is consistent, progressive and attractive in order to keep them enjoying rugby and playing the game longer."